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Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (Rainbow Bush) - A sprawling, slow growing succulent shrub with attractive reddish-brown stems and variegated cream and green ¾ inch long leaves. A very easy to grow succulent that works as a great bonsai plant, hanging basket or even a hedge in frost free climates. The green form will slowly reach 8 to 12 feet in height with an equal spread but the variegated form is slower growing and will likely remain considerably smaller and in containers even more so. Size is also easily controlled with selective pruning and a smaller pot. The stems of this shrub will thicken very fast giving the plant an old appearance at a young age. The lavender pink flowers are seldom seen outside the wild but the knobbed tan-reddish stems with colorful leaves makes a nice accent in the landscape.
Plant in full sun to light shade and irrigated sparingly to not at all. Cold hardy to 25° F and useful in USDA zones 10-11 or Sunset 8,9, 12-27. Well suited for a xeriscape garden where it is drought tolerant once established and useful for succulent bonsai.
For more information on the species see our listing for Portulacaria afra. We also grow Portulacaria afra 'Aurea' - a large plant with yellow new growth, Portulacaria afra 'Low Form' - a prostrate form with green leaves, Portulacaria afra forma macrophylla - a large leafed form, Portulacaria afra 'Skyscraper' - a narrow upright form, Portulacaria afra 'Cork Bark' - a corky bark form great for bonsai use and Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' - a stunning low growing plant with pink stems and leaves that have a wide central cream stripe. All are great drought tolerant plants useful in the landscape or as container specimens. We have sold this attractive drought tolerant plant since 2004.
This information about Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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